Commercial relations between Türkiye and Africa have developed rapidly over the past 22 years and have become one of the priority areas of the country’s foreign economic policy.
In 2003, Türkiye defined a comprehensive strategy covering areas from strengthening trade and economic relations with African countries to encouraging investments and technology transfer.
As a result of these steps, trade volume with African countries increased to USD 37 billion by the end of last year. With the aim of raising this figure to USD 50 billion by 2028 under a win win strategy, negotiations are continuing through both high level contacts and trade delegations.
Within this framework, Türkiye has continued its engagement with African countries throughout the year through reciprocal visits, meetings and forums.
Bilateral contacts to focus on multiple sectors
In the final month of the year, commercial contacts with these countries are gaining momentum. In this context, a trade delegation program has been organized for Côte d’Ivoire, which is among Türkiye’s target export markets.
Under the program starting tomorrow, the delegation is expected to hold business meetings in Abidjan, the country’s largest city, until 18 December. These meetings will focus on increasing market share in trade and creating new business and investment opportunities, particularly in construction and building materials, automotive and spare parts, metal, machinery, paper, furniture, energy, packaging, food, information technologies, textiles, healthcare, chemicals, cosmetics and plastic products. Bilateral business meetings will be held for these sectors.
Target trade volume of USD 1 billion
According to data from the Ministry of Trade, trade with Côte d’Ivoire has shown an upward trend since 2001. Trade volume with the country reached USD 813 million last year, representing an increase of 37.6 percent compared to 2023. The current bilateral trade target stands at USD 1 billion.
In exports to Côte d’Ivoire last year, petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals ranked first with USD 35.224 million. This was followed by cement at USD 14.351 million and machinery for kneading, crushing and moulding earth, stone and metal at USD 14.169 million.
During the same period, Türkiye imported cocoa beans and cocoa fragments worth USD 295.522 million from Côte d’Ivoire. This was followed by natural rubber and similar products at USD 156.650 million, and cocoa paste at USD 44.301 million.
First visit at presidential level from Türkiye
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to the country in 2016 was significant as it marked the first visit from Türkiye at the presidential level. This visit accelerated commercial relations and led to the signing of multiple agreements.
Côte d’Ivoire is advancing towards becoming an important trade hub in Sub Saharan Africa. In terms of trade volume with Türkiye, the country ranks second in West Africa after Nigeria and first among French speaking countries.
For Turkish investors, Côte d’Ivoire offers significant cooperation potential, particularly in construction, automotive, cosmetics and textiles. The country presents investment opportunities across various areas, ranging from social housing projects and office buildings to cement production facilities.
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